Family Demands Judicial Commission in Hina Javed Murder Probe

The family of Hina Javed has written an open letter to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, expressing a complete loss of confidence in the police probe and demanding an immediate judicial commission. Hina Javed, a 45-year-old digital media executive, was found dead at her Rawalpindi residence in August, with her murder case registered at the Civil Lines police station on August 21. Police arrested her husband, Faisal Asghar, and domestic worker, Zeeshan Arshad, on the same day.

The family alleges systematic evidence tampering and a conflict of interest in the investigation. They claim the probe has improperly shifted blame from Hina's husband to the domestic servant. According to the family, DNA from both Faisal and his father was found on Hina's body, specifically on her neck. They also raised serious concerns over forensic evidence handling, alleging important messages were deleted from Hina's mobile phone. The family argues evidence concerning Faisal is being overlooked and that the police committee should not declare guilt or innocence before a court trial.

They have accused Hina's husband of planting evidence and have urged the Chief Minister to personally review the case file. The family described the police investigation as a potential conflict of interest and rejected the findings of the police investigation committee, citing a loss of confidence in its methodology. Hina's brother alleged she was subjected to violence before her death.

Political response and intervention

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has assured the family that no effort will be spared to ensure justice and that she will personally meet with them. In her response, she stated the investigation was still underway and had not yet been completed. The family had previously written to the National Commission on Human Rights requesting intervention, alleging the probe was compromised. Their letter to the Chief Minister called for an impartial and transparent investigation.

Ongoing investigation and forensic gaps

Pending forensic reports and conflicting DNA evidence have fueled the family's skepticism. Forensic reports from Hina's husband's laptop and the domestic worker's mobile phones are still awaited. DNA analysis found a mixture of DNA from at least three individuals on Hina's clothes, with her husband, father-in-law, and domestic servant not excluded as contributors.

The post-mortem report revealed a neck bone fracture, rib and hip injuries, and blood around the heart, indicating brutal torture. Last month, the Punjab government constituted a three-member high-powered committee to review the investigation. That committee visited Rawalpindi, questioned the husband and domestic worker at Adiala Jail, met the family, and inspected the crime scene. Hina's father-in-law, who was named during the investigation, had initially reported a theft at the house.

Parliamentary scrutiny escalates

The case has now drawn the attention of federal lawmakers. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control has summoned the Punjab Inspector General of Police and other senior officials to brief them on the investigation. This committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 2 PM in the committee room at Parliament House in Islamabad. Meanwhile, the family of the arrested domestic worker, Zeeshan Arshad, has accused police of attempting to make their son the prime suspect.

The family's demand for a judicial commission remains central as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz assures them of her direct involvement in the pursuit of justice.